Health Tip: Amniocentesis Can Identify Birth Defects

Mar. 23 -- (HealthDay News) -- Amniocentesis is a diagnostic procedure in which a needle is inserted into the abdomen of a pregnant woman, entering the uterus.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine says the needle withdraws a small amount of uterine fluid, which can be tested for signs of the following birth defects:

• Down syndrome and other chromosomal disorders.
• Spina bifida, anencephaly (partial brain formation), and other structural birth defects.
• Infection.
• Rh incompatibility.
• Lung immaturity.